Saffron Orlando on Restaurant Row

Saffron is a relatively new Indian restaurant that opened in the “Restaurant Row” district in Orlando along Sand Lake Road. The decor and interior, a decidedly modern feel, is warm and sophisticated with dark wood and bright walls. The prices are very reasonable, ranging from $7.95 and up for lunch combinations. Our server was very accommodating, checking often on how our meal is going and making sure our red glasses are full with water.

I chose the lamb xacutti lunch special ($9) which came with naan bread, basmati rice, samosa, lentil soup, spices, and gulab jamun, an Indian dessert ball. The items all came in a white tray a la bento lunch box.

The lamb xacutti is a dish that comes from the Indian coastal state of Goa, known for its beautiful beaches and coconut trees. The xacutti is a savory, rich curry like dish with grated coconut, tender chunks of lamb and notes of blended spices in a creamy sauce. The sauce was light and delicious and went well with the charred tandoori clay oven baked naan bread and basmati rice.

The gulab jamun dessert is made of a doughy, homemade cheese-based balls dipped in honey syrup and flavored with rose water. It’s a popular Indian dessert dish and served hot here at Saffron.

Gulab Jamun, Indian dessert ball

The atmosphere is very comfortable and not too stuffy like some other restaurants on restaurant row can be, which I found to be quite enjoyable. One of my new favorite Indian restaurants, I will be sure to return to try some of their other dishes.